PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The city of Portage wants to upgrade one of its oldest shopping corridors, and could approve new zoning Tuesday to make that happen.
The target is the Portage Road commercial corridor between Austin and West Lake, south of Centre Avenue.
Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Pearson says they have been meeting with property owners for the past year to talk about ways to make improvements in zoning and other amenities.
“Way back in the day in Portage Township, Portage Road south of Centre was the main business district in Portage, believe it or not,” says Pearson.
They say the city has invested in other commercial areas, but not this one, and its about time they did.
Before the council for public comment and a vote is a new uniform zoning ordinance setting design and construction standards for new businesses.
City Manager Pat McGinnis says he will propose spending “north of $10 million” to make improvements along the streetscape in future budgets.
“Historically that does tend to increase interest in private development and increase values all along the corridor when you invest that kind of public money,” says McGinnis.
Consultant M. Paul Lippens says they have been listening to residents for the last year to put together a plan he thinks they will like.
“To understand what was desired, and create a zoning district that will do its best to create avenues for new development and redevelopment on the corridor,” says Lippens.
The general aim is to improve walkability, encouraging retail, restaurants and bakeries & discouraging new businesses that are more car oriented, like drive-throughs, gas stations and car washes.
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